Nutrient-Packed Valentines Day Chocolates
“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get”
…it’s true- just read the ingredient label! Artificial flavors, Disodium phosphate, Monosodium Glutamate, Invertase, High-fructose corn syrup, Partially hydrogenated soybean oil, Sodium MetabisulfiWHAT?
While these signature Valentines Day chocolates taste delicious, they are usually highly processed and packed with sugar. So this year, why not ditch the ingredients you can’t pronounce and display your affection by giving the gift that keeps on giving: health!
Recipe: Nutrient-Packed Chocolates
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of dark chocolate chips (aim for 70% cocoa or greater) with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil- removing from microwave to stir every 30 seconds until fully melted (should take about 2 minutes). Once melted, mix in ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut and ½ cup chopped raw nuts (I use almonds and walnuts). Divide the mixture into mini muffin baking cups (1” diameter) and refrigerate until firm. These will stay solid at room temperature.
Health benefits:
Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or greater) is high in antioxidants, which help fight environmental toxins and cell damage in the body. Among many benefits, the specific antioxidants found in dark chocolate have also been shown to improve blood flow to the heart and brain.
Coconut contains healthy fats that help regulate your metabolism and increase your HDL (“good”) cholesterol. It is also a good source of the mineral manganese, which promotes healthy connective tissue and blood sugar regulation.
Almonds and Walnuts are considered two of the healthiest nuts due to powerful antioxidant qualities linked with improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Walnuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids which can decrease inflammation.
